| Money Matters |
The Principle
The Bible gladly affirms that money and wealth are part of God's good creation, and come to us as his blessing. But the Bible also warns that money is seductive and can lure us away from a single-minded devotion to God.
Giving is an integral part of our Christian commitment as stewards, rather than owners, of all that God has given us. The people of God have always contributed to the Lord's work. In the Old Testament, the idea of giving a tenth ("tithe") is first seen in Abraham and Jacob (Genesis 14, 28). It is then made explicit in the Law of Moses to support the priests and Levites, as well as those in need, such as widows and orphans (Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 14). The New Testament identifies various financial obligations required of the Christian, for example:
Christians also have a duty and a responsibility to their own congregation, to pay for its upkeep and ministry - for the buildings, the running expenses and the wages of those who work among them In the New Testament the law of the tenth ("tithe") gives way to the principle of generosity. The first Christians were noted for their overwhelming generosity (Acts 2:44, 45; 4:32). The guideline for giving is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
The Practice
What to give to:The work of Hastings Baptist Church is funded solely from the giving of those attending. Each year the church agrees on a budget to finance the day-to-day work of the church including church programmes, staff costs, building and other running costs as well as Baptist Union levies. During the year there may be appeals for donations to missionary work or other local community initiatives. Many people are also committed to sponsoring children overseas, personally supporting missionaries and funding other charitable causes.
When to give:Most people find it practical to give when they receive their regular income. For you this could be weekly, monthly or annually. However, you may also find it helpful to put money aside for appeals, for example famine relief. Additionally, you may want to give a portion of any one-off income that you receive and consider making a legacy to Hastings Baptist Church in your will. A pattern of regular giving is preferable. This assists the church with managing its regular commitments.
How to give:You can give on a regular or one-off basis. You can set up an automatic payment from your bank account or you can put cash or cheques in the collection on Sundays. Cheques should be made payable to Hastings Baptist Church.
How much to give:This will depend on each individual's means, so there is no absolute sum that is right for everyone. We would encourage you to review your giving annually to take account of any changes in your financial circumstances.
Tax receipts:Shortly after the end of each tax year, the Office Manager will provide you with a tax receipt for your donations to the church. To enable a receipt to be issued for those who give by cash and to keep your giving private, the church has set up an envelope system. Contact the Office Manager to obtain a personal number to be written on your giving envelopes. Your gifts will be recorded against that personal number. Envelopes are available in the foyer. The Office Manager will use their confidential records to match personal numbers with names in order to issue tax receipts. Automatic payments and cheques are similarly totalled in order to issue a tax receipt each year. Only the Finance Deacon and Office Manager have access to these confidential records.
For more information contact the church office. ContactCharity Commission Registration Number 23910 |
Automatic Payment Form - pdf (
Automatic Payment Form - doc (